Unit 10. Contro'versial and ControVERsial.

In this course we use two terms that are related but different:
stress and prominence. Most dictionaries which give the pronunciation
of words also indicate which syllable(s) have stress. For example, CALD shows that 'party'and 'remember' have stress on only one syllable: party /'pa:ti/ remember /rιmem.b∂r/

and that 'controversial' and 'kindergarten' have stress on two syllables: controversial /,kon.tr∂'vз:.∫∂l/ kindergaren /'kin.d∂,ga:.t∂n/' shows main stress and , shows secondary stress.

When a word is used in conversation and emphasised (see Unit 33),
one of the stressed syllables is made prominent. In a one-stress word
this is the stressed syllable, and in a two-stress word it is usually
the syllable with main stress. Prominent syllables are shown in capital letters: I'm going to a PARty. I can't reMEMber. It was controVERsial. She goes t KINdergarten.

gProminence can move to the secondary stressed syllable in a word
like 'controversial' when it is followed by a word with another
prominent syllable, particularly when the frst syllable of the
following word is prominent:

She gave a CONtroversial ANswer.This is sometimes called stress shift. Stress shift can only happen in words where a secondary stress comes before main stress. Here are some more examples: ,understand I UNderstand EVerything. ,disap'pointing It was a DISappointing OUTcome.Other words which often have stress shift include:

For particular emphasis or contrast, syllables other than those with main or secondary stress can be made prominent (see also Unit 47C): 'hopeful A: I agree with you that it's HOPEless. B: No, I said it was hopeFUL. re' ported A: Apparently, Kim's been dePORTed. B: No, he's been REported.

1 I'm working on my pronunciation.2 It was just a routine job.3 The film was made for propaganda purposes.4 The region has a Mediterranean climate.5 Next month she'll be sixteen.6 There was a satisfactory outcome.7 The country was declared independent.8 I love living next to the Mediterranean.9 It cost sixteen euros.10 The book was just political propaganda.11 The operation was quite routine.12 They appointed an independent judge.13 The result was satisfactory.14 I'm doing a pronunciation course.

Now use the words to complete these conversations. Then
underline the syllable in the word that you think is likely to be
prominent.Key.1. concise2. handbag3. lifelike4. subjective5. tablecloth6. paimtbox7. disarmingExample: A: So we have to take the old footpath? B: No, we take the old footbridge. 1 A: So you thought the work was precise? B: No, I said it was ___________.2 A: You've lost your handbook, have you? B: No, I've lost my ___________. 3 A: Yes, I thought the performance was lifeless, too. B: No, I said I thought it was ___________.4 A: I didn't think his findings were very objective. B: No, they were very ___________.5 A: Does the tabletop need washing? B: No, the ___________.6 A: I've brought you the paintbrush you asked for. B: No, I wanted my ___________.7 A: Did you say the country's rearming? B: No, it's ___________.

Now listen, check your answers and repeat the corrections

Follow up: Do you know of any differences in stress in words in British English and in another variety of English you are familiar with?